Backpack

ABSTRACT

A backpack that includes a support vest and a removable pack. The vest includes two shoulder straps and at least one connecting element transversely connecting the shoulder straps in the area of the wearer&#39;s back, a rear portion of each shoulder strap and the connecting element forming a support vest rear portion having softness enabling the rear portion of the vest to deform to adapt to the morphology of the back of the wearer, whether the wearer is stationary or moving. The pack of the backpack demarcates a load-receiving volume and includes a front wall having a softness enabling the front wall to deform to adapt to the morphology of the back of the wearer, whether the wearer is stationary or moving, the front wall of the pack having a zone of overlap with the rear portion of the support vest, the front wall of the pack being connected to the support vest by connections allowing relative movement between the front wall of the pack and the support vest, at least vertically or horizontally, or both, in the overlap zone, the connections being located outside of the overlap zone.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon French Patent Application No. FR14/02976, filed Dec. 23, 2014, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference thereto in its entirety, and the priority ofwhich is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a backpack, in particular a backpackfor sporting activities such as hiking or running, especially onmountainous terrain. This backpack is intended in particular forathletes, such as hikers, runners, mountaineers, or orienteering androck-climbing enthusiasts.

2. Background Information

Backpacks have been developed in a number of forms for carrying loads onthe back of a user. These packs are used for example when walking,traveling, hiking, climbing, mountaineering, and cycling.

Conventionally, a backpack comprises a main pack including panels madeof soft material, appended to a dorsal portion made of a rigid orsemi-rigid material or incorporating a support vest providing rigidity.This rigidity ensures stability of the backpack, especially when notworn. The main pack is provided for receiving a load and is held by twocarrying straps attached to the dorsal portion.

The patent document US 2010/0237110-A1 discloses a backpack comprising aback panel equipped with carrying straps. The back panel is provided tosupport various storage pockets of different volumes, these pocketsbeing removable. A support vest provided with two T-shaped bars providesa continuous connection between the pocket and the back panel, therebypreventing air from circulating between the pack and the carryingstraps, and does not promote the removal of sweat. In addition, theT-shaped bars are rigid and penalize the comfort of the user. Theconstruction is not provided to allow relative movement between the packand the back panel, once the backpack is assembled.

The patent document US 2010/0308086-A1 discloses a backpack providedwith a pocket, whose back panel, interfacing with the user's back, issoft. The carrying straps are directly attached to the back panel of thepocket. The pocket is not movable in relation to the user's back whenthe backpack is worn.

All of these packs have a certain amount of rigidity when worn, whichcauses discomfort for not conforming well to the morphology of the backof the user, on the one hand, and for impeding movement during rotationsof the chest, on the other hand.

SUMMARY

The invention solves one or more of the above disadvantages.

To this end, the invention provides an improved backpack offeringcarrying comfort.

In particular, the invention improves the freedom of movement for theuser wearing such a backpack.

The invention also improves the interface with the back, so that it ismost adapted to the morphology of the back of the user, when the user ismoving.

Further, the invention provides a movable pack whose positioning isadjustable when the user is moving.

Still further, the invention improves the ventilation for the back.

The invention provides a backpack that includes:

-   -   a support vest including two shoulder straps and at least one        connecting element transversely connecting the shoulder straps        in the area of the back, a rear portion of each shoulder strap        and the connecting element forming a support vest dorsal, or        rear, portion having softness enabling the dorsal portion to        deform to adapt to the morphology of the back of the user,        whether the user is stationary or moving, and    -   a pack demarcating a load-receiving volume, the pack including a        front wall having softness enabling the front wall to deform to        adapt to the morphology of the back of the user, whether the        user is stationary or moving, the front wall having a zone of        overlap with the rear portion of the support vest, the front        wall being connected to the support vest by connections allowing        relative movement between the front wall and the support vest,        at least vertically and/or horizontally in the overlap zone, the        connections being located outside of the overlap zone.

Due to the invention, the pack is movable in relation to the supportvest, thereby providing good freedom of movement for the user. Inaddition, the softness of the back of the backpack enables the backpackto follow the movements of the user, thereby improving comfort.

According to advantageous but non-essential aspects of the invention,such a backpack can incorporate one or more of the following features,taken in any technically permissible combination:

-   -   The connecting element is a soft lace or a soft panel made of a        fabric, a knit, a textile, or a foam.    -   Each shoulder strap forms a permanently closed and        non-adjustable loop.    -   The support vest forms a unitary element comprised of shoulder        straps and the connecting element, which are permanently        assembled.    -   At least one lateral edge of the dorsal wall is discontinuously        connected to the support vest, and at least one free passage        between the lateral side and the support vest is not provided        with connections, the free passage having a height greater than        or equal to 15% of the total height of the dorsal wall.    -   The dorsal wall is connected to the support vest only in the        area of the edges of the dorsal wall.    -   In its upper portion, the dorsal wall is connected to the        support vest by two upper right and left loops symmetrically        arranged with respect to the axis X, substantially in the area        of the junction between the neck and shoulders.    -   The backpack comprises an upper compression system for moving an        upper portion of a rear wall of the pack toward the front wall.    -   The upper compression system comprises, on each side of the        backpack, an upper tightening mechanism, each upper tightening        mechanism comprising:        -   a linkage,        -   two points for anchoring the linkage to the rear wall, the            distance between the anchoring points being greater than 10            cm, along a lateral edge of the wall,        -   a first upper adjuster through which at least one strand of            the linkage passes,        -   a second upper adjuster arranged on a shoulder strap, in the            area of the shoulder of the user or on a front portion of            the shoulder strap, the first and second upper adjusters            cooperating with one another to permit adjustment of at            least the length of a strand extending toward the front            wall, from the first upper adjuster.    -   The upper tightening mechanism comprises a comfort element,        located in the area of the shoulder of the user, between one of        the carrying straps and at least one strand of the linkage, the        comfort element comprising a damping plate, positioned in the        vicinity of the shoulder strap, and a distribution plate        positioned in the vicinity of each strand of the linkage, the        distribution plate being more rigid than the damping plate and        having cutouts so that it can be deformed to adapt to the        morphology and movements of the user's shoulders.    -   The backpack comprises a lower compression system for moving a        lower portion of a rear wall of the pack toward the front wall.    -   The lower compression system comprises a lower tightening        mechanism on each side of the pack, each lower tightening        mechanism comprising:        -   a linkage,        -   two points for anchoring the linkage to the rear wall, the            distance between the anchoring points being greater than 10            cm along a lateral edge of the wall,        -   a first lower adjuster through which at least one strand of            the linkage passes,        -   a second lower adjuster arranged on one of the carrying            straps, laterally in the area of the sides of the user, or            on a front portion, the first and second lower adjuster            cooperating with one another to allow adjustment of at least            the length of a strand of the linkage extending toward the            front wall, from the first lower adjuster.    -   The position for fastening the first lower adjuster to the        shoulder strap is adjustable in height.    -   The backpack comprises keepers affixed to the pack, each keeper        forming a sheath for the passage of a linkage.    -   The pack is removably mounted on the support vest.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereofwill be more apparent in light of the following description of abackpack according to the invention, given only by way of example, withreference to the annexed drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of a backpack according to theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the backpack of FIG. 1, from the point of viewof the user wearing the pack;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the backpack of FIG. 1, from the point of viewof the user wearing the pack;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the backpack of FIG. 1, with a partial cut away;

FIG. 5 is a perspective transparent view, on a larger scale, of a detailfrom FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a backpack according to analternative embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a backpack 1 configured, for example, for running, hiking,and other mountain sports.

In the following description, the terms “top”, “bottom”, “upper”,“lower”, “left”, “right”, “horizontal”, “vertical”, “front” and “rear”are defined from the point of view of a user standing on level groundand wearing the backpack 1 on his back. Notable is a “vertical”geometric axis X, parallel to the Earth's gravity field. In thereference position, the backpack 1 extends along the axis X.

Notable is a horizontal geometric axis Y, perpendicular to the axis X,which extends from left to right. The axis Y defines a “lateral” or“transverse” direction.

The backpack 1 comprises a storage pack 2 attached to a carrying device,referred to as the support vest 4 in the following description, thesupport vest comprising two shoulder straps 41 and 42 located onrespective sides of the axis X.

The storage pack 2 is centered along the axis X, in a neutralconfiguration, and demarcates a closed inner volume for receiving aload, for example foodstuffs, a water container, sports equipment,and/or clothing. The pack 2 extends vertically between a lower end 21and an upper end 22. The pack can optionally comprise a plurality ofinner compartments, as well as outer pockets.

The volume of the pack 2 is demarcated by a dorsal wall 23, a rear wall24, a right lateral wall 25, and a left lateral wall 26. The rear wall24 may be an outer wall, as shown here, or an inner wall of the pack, anintermediate wall between the rear wall and an outer wall. The dorsalwall 23, or front wall, is positioned on the side of the back of theuser, and it faces the rear wall 24, which is positioned opposite theback of the user with respect to the contents of the pack. The walls 23and 24 are connected on both sides by the right 25 and left 26 lateralwalls, which are opposite one another.

Right B231 and left B232 lateral edges of the front wall 23 of the pack2 define the separation between the front wall 23 and the lateral walls25 and 26, respectively. An upper edge B233 of the front wall 23 abutsthe rear wall 24, on the side of the upper end 21 of the pack 2. On theside of the lower end 22 of the pack 2, a lower edge B234 separates thefront wall 23 from the rear wall 24. Thus, the periphery of the frontwall 23 is demarcated by the edges B231-B234.

In this example, the front wall 23 is connected to the support vest 4only in the area of the edges B231-B234 of the front wall 23.

The outer wall 24 comprises an opening 241 for access to the innervolume of the pack 2. The opening 241 here is rectilinear and extendslengthwise along a vertical direction, parallel to the axis X and to thespine of the user. The opening 241 comprises a closure, for example aslide fastener with two pull tabs 242 and 243, connected to respectivesliders, which facilitates separate access to the various portions ofthe pack. One can then alternatively access only the lower, central, orupper portion of the pack. The opening 241 is substantially horizontalwhen the backpack 1 is positioned on the ground, on a horizontal flatsurface. Thus, the lateral walls make it possible to prevent thecontents of the pack from falling out. Moreover, this construction alsohas the advantage of having a large zone of access to the inner volumeof the pack 2. This allows easy access to the items stored in the bottomof the pack 2, unlike a backpack of the prior art, which is generallyprovided with a single opening at the top of the pack.

In the example shown in the drawing figures, the walls 23-26 are panelsmade of soft fabric, manufactured separately and then assembled to oneanother, for example by stitching and/or by using an adhesive.

Alternatively, the walls 23-26 may be in one piece, or in two or threepieces. For example, the lateral walls 25 and 26 and the outer wall 24may be formed from a single piece of fabric.

The front wall 23 is made of a soft material enabling the front wall 23to deform to adapt to the morphology of the back of the user 10, whetherthe user is stationary or moving. Such a material can be deformed atleast in a direction normal to the wall without exerting substantialforce. A wall made of such a material, including an elasticallycompressible material, can thus be deformed, without force, so as toconform to the shape that it covers. This material can be a fabric, aknit, a textile, a membrane, a cloth, a very soft foam, or any ofequivalent materials. The wall can also comprise more rigid portionsbut, in this case, such portions must be connected by soft linkages toobtain the desired overall flexibility. For a wall made of foam, thethickness of such a wall can be less than 1.0 cm. The wall made of foamcan comprise foam elements of greater thickness, connected to oneanother by very soft elements which are deformable so as to enable thefoam elements to move in relation to one another.

For example, the front wall 23 can be made of polyamide (PA), such asNylon®. This can be a minimum 70-denier ripstop nylon. The lateral 25,26 and rear 24 walls may be made of the same material. Alternatively,the lateral walls are made of composites comprising a blend of polyamideand elastane, in proportions on the order of ¾ polyamide and ¼ elastane.Elastane provides elasticity that makes it possible to press the loadbetter against the user's back.

Each shoulder strap 41, 42 comprises a front portion 411, 412 configuredto cover the front of a shoulder and one side of the chest of the user10. Each shoulder strap 41, 42 also comprises a rear portion 431, 432configured to extend laterally behind one of the shoulders of the user10. The carrying straps 41 and 42 are transversely connected to oneanother by a connecting-piece or connecting-element or piece 433, in thearea of the user's back. As can be seen in FIG. 3, for example, thelength of the connecting piece 433 extends between and along therespective lengths of the rear portions 431, 432 of the shoulder straps41, 42. Thus, the rear portions 431, 432 of the carrying straps and theconnecting-piece 433 form a rear portion 43 of the support vest 4. Thisrear portion is configured to assume the shape of the back of the user.The rear portion 43 of the support vest is separate from the front wall23 of the pack.

In the example shown in the drawing figures, the rear portion of eachcarrying strap 41, 42 is formed by a lateral strip 431, 432 of the rearportion 43 of the vest 4. Each front portion 411, 412 is connected tothe corresponding rear portion 431, 432 so as to form a loop configuredfor passage of an arm of the user. This loop is permanently closed andnot adjustable, as shown in the drawing figures.

Alternatively, the loops are open, the carrying straps 41 and 42 beingprovided with closures, or connectors, such as straps, loops, hooksand/or buckles, in order to adjust the length of the shoulder straps 41and 42 to adapt to the morphology of the user 10.

The front and rear portions of the carrying straps 41, 42 can be made ofthe same material, that is, a common material, thus forming a continuouspanel. Alternatively, it may be an assembly of different panels of thesame material or of different materials.

The lateral strips 431 and 432 are connected to one another by a centralportion 433 to form a continuous panel corresponding substantially tothe rear portion 43 of the support vest. The central portion 433constitutes an element for connecting the rear portions 431 and 432 ofthe carrying straps 41 and 42, in the area of the back of the user 10.The connecting element 433 may be fixed or removable. As shown, a panelor a mesh can connect the rear portions 431 and 432 of the carryingstraps 41 and 42 to one another permanently, that is, with nopossibility of being disassembled or, at least, easily disassembled,such as being stitched together and/or adhesively connected, orotherwise. The support vest then forms a unitary element comprised ofthe shoulder straps 41, 42 and the connecting element 433.Alternatively, the connecting element is removable, that is, capable ofbeing disassembled. For example, it may be a lace or an attached panel.The connecting element can also be formed by a row of transverse strips.The rear portion 43 can therefore be locally recessed.

The support vest 4 is then in the form of a vest or a sleeveless jacket.It is made of a soft and lightweight material, such as a thickness-wiseelastically compressible soft material.

The rear portion 43 is made of a material having softness that enablesthe front wall 23 to deform to adapt to the morphology of the back ofthe user 10, whether the user is stationary or moving. As mentionedabove, such a material can be deformed at least in a direction normal tothe wall without exerting substantial force. A wall made of such amaterial can thus be deformed, without force, so as to conform to theshape that it covers. This material can be a fabric, a knit, a textile,a very soft foam, for example. The wall can also comprise more rigidportions but, in this case, they must be connected by soft linkages toobtain the desired overall flexibility and/or elastic compressibility.For example, such a linkage can be flexible, such as bendable, as wellas thickness-wise compressible.

For example, the rear portion 43 of the vest is made of a knit ofpolyester (PE) or polyamide (PA) yarns. The wall can advantageously forma mesh to improve the ventilation of the back of the user. To furtherimprove ventilation, the knit structure can be a three-dimensionalmaterial, or “3-D”, that is, with a thickness of several millimeters.These knits are categorized under the term “spacer”, and oftendesignated by the term “3-D mesh”. It is characterized by a density onthe order of 300 to 400 g/m². The connecting element 433 may be a simplemesh comprised of polyamide or polyester yarns, having a density ofapproximately 200 g/m².

The support vest 4 is provided with an arrangement for transverselybringing the front portions 411 and 412 of the shoulder straps 41 and 42closer together, referred to, for example, as a transverse tensioner ora transverse tightening tensioner, making it possible to adjust andmaintain the spacing of the shoulder straps 41 and 42. For example, thetightening tensioner can comprise a linkage 441 of adjustable length,which connects the front portions 411 and 412 of the shoulder straps 41and 42. Adjusting the length of the linkage 441 makes it possible toadapt the backpack 1 to the corpulence of the user 10. The position ofthe linkage 441 is adjustable in height due to the front portions 411and 412 of the shoulder straps 41 and 42, which are each equipped with arow of right 442 or left 443 keepers distributed along the frontportions 411 and 421. The user 10 can select the keepers 442 and 443 towhich the linkage 441 is attached, in order to configure the backpack 1to his/her corpulence.

Notable are an upper end 4A and a lower end 4B of the support vest 4.More specifically, these ends 4A, 4B demarcate the top and bottomportions, respectively, of the rear portion 43 of the vest. The upperend 4A is close to the upper junction between the front portion 411 and412 and the rear portion 431 and 432 of a shoulder strap 41 or 42. Thelower end 4B is close to the lower junction between the front portion411 and 412 and the rear portion 431 and 432 of a shoulder strap 41 or42. When the support vest 4 is positioned on a flat surface, the ends 4Aand 4B are substantially coplanar with that surface.

In this example, the pack 2 is permanently attached to the support vest4 by connecting arrangements, also referred to as pack-to-vestconnectors or connections, that cannot be separated, that is, that arenot intended to be separated or at least not easily separated, forexample linkages, such as cords or straps sewn to both the support vest4 and the pack 2. Alternatively, the connectors are formed by permanentstitches connecting the support vest 4 directly to the pack 2.

In the example of FIGS. 1 to 5, these connections or connectors arediscontinuous and are located at points along the upper edge B233, rightlateral edge B231 and left lateral edge B232 of the front wall 23 of thepack 2.

The connections in the illustrated embodiment comprise right 61 and left62 upper loops, arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis X,substantially in the area of the junction between the neck andshoulders. Each upper loop 61, 62 is fixed in the area of the upper edgeB233 the pack 2, on the one hand, and in the area of the upper end 4A ofthe support vest 4, on the other hand. The loops 61 and 62 are made fromstrap sections.

The connections also comprise right 63 and left 64 lower loops, arrangedsymmetrically with respect to the axis X, substantially in the area ofthe lateral lower portion of the back. Each lower loop 63, 64 is fixedin the area of a lateral edge B231, B232 of the pack 2, on the one hand,and in the area of a rear portion 431 and 432 of shoulder strap 41 or 42or, in other words, a lower lateral rear portion of the support vest 4,on the other hand. The loops 63 and 64 are made from strap sections.

The first connections comprise two right 65 and left 66 intermediateloops, arranged between a lower loop 63, 64 and an upper loop 61, 62.Each intermediate loop 65, 66 is fixed in the area of a lateral edgeB231, B232, in the median portion of the pack 2, on the one hand, and inthe area of a rear portion 431 and 432 of a shoulder strap 41 or 42 or,in other words, a median lateral rear portion of the support vest 4, onthe other hand. The loops 65 and 66 are made from strap sections.

According to one embodiment, a distance D1, measured vertically betweenan intermediate loop 65, 66 and a corresponding upper loop 61, 62, isgreater than 10 cm. Alternatively, the distance D1 is greater than 15%of the total height H23 of the front wall 23. Similarly, a distance D2,measured vertically between an intermediate loop 65, 66 and acorresponding lower loop 63, 64, is greater than 10 cm. Alternatively,the distance D2 is greater than 15% of the total height H23 of the frontwall 23.

Alternatively, the backpack can comprise more intermediate loops. Inthis case, the distance D measured vertically between two verticallyadjacent loops is greater than 10 cm. Alternatively, this distance D isgreater than 15% of the total height H23 of the front wall 23. In thisexample, the height H23 is substantially equal to 40 cm.

The fastening of the pack 2 on the support vest 4, at isolated points61-66 on the periphery of the front wall 23 of the pack 2, makes itpossible to provide a space between the rear portion 43 of the carryingdevice 4 and the pack 22, and thereby promote air circulation and limitmoisture due to perspiration.

There are no other connections between two loops or fastening points61-66. The absence of connections creates openings or passages allowingair to flow between the rear portion 43 of the support vest 4 and thefront wall 23 of the pack 2. This improves the ventilation of the backof the user.

In our example, an upper passage P1, between the pack 2 and the supportvest 4, is provided between the upper connections 61 and 62, orfasteners, and the intermediate connections 65 and 66 or fasteners. Alower passage P2 is provided between the lower connections 63 and 64, orfasteners, and the intermediate connections 65 and 66 or fasteners. Thepassages P1 and P2 are free; they do not comprise connections betweenthe pack 2 and the support vest 4.

Due to the absence of other connections, the relative movements betweenthe support vest 4 and the pack 2 are preserved between the fasteningpoints 61-66, thereby promoting freedom of movement for the user. Thepassages P1 and P2 therefore also have as a function to allow thevertical M1 and/or lateral M2 relative movements between the pack 2 andthe support vest 4.

In other words, a lateral edge B231, B232 of the front wall 43 isdiscontinuously connected to the support vest 4 so as to form at leastone lateral zone P1, P2 with no connection between the lateral edge andthe support vest over a minimal free height D.

A covering zone Zr corresponding to an overlap zone is defined betweenthe front wall 23 of the pack 2 and the rear portion 43 of the supportvest 4. By definition, the connections 61-66 are located outside of theoverlap zone Zr. In the example of FIGS. 1-5, the overlap zone Zr isdemarcated by the edges B231, B232, B233, B234 of the front wall 23. Thecontours of the overlap zone Zr are slightly set back towards the centerof the front wall 23 in relation to the edges B231-B234, so as not toinclude the connections 61-66.

This construction therefore allows for vertical M1 and/or horizontal M2relative movements between the pack 2 and the support vest 4, in theoverlap zone Zr, in one direction and in the opposite direction, thatis, to the right and left for the horizontal movement M2, and up anddown for the vertical movement M1. Both movements are possible, that is,movements both horizontally and vertically. These relative movements M1and/or M2 are the result of the spacing between the connections orfasteners 61-66. Other factors facilitate these relative movements, suchas the length of the loops 61-66, the stitches between the pack 2 andthe support vest 4, or the softness of the front wall 23 and of the rearportion 43 of the support vest.

The lower and intermediate connections 63-66 are optional. In a variant,the pack 2 is only fastened to the support vest 4 by the upperconnections 61 and 62.

Other types of connections or fasteners 61-66 are within the scope ofthe invention. For example, direct stitching between the walls, a simplepiece of strap, or a cord can be employed.

In this embodiment, the backpack 1 is equipped with a lower compressionsystem, which enables the load contained in the pack 2 to be pressedagainst the back of the user 10. This system includes right 9A and left9B lower tightening arrangements, including right 91 and left 92 keepersaffixed to the pack 2. The keepers form a passage sheath for a right 93or left 94 linkage, for example a cord, a lace, or a strap. In theexample shown in the drawing figures, the keepers 91, 92 are located inareas of the junctures between the lateral walls 25 and 26 and the lowerportions of the rear wall 24 of the pack 2. The keepers 91, 92 are thusconnected to the rear wall 24 of the pack 2. Here, the keepers 91 and 92are arcuate sheaths, whose center of radius of curvature is at the frontof the outer wall 24 and above the lower end 21 of the pack. The keepers91, 92 have a length L91, L92 greater than 10 cm in an exemplaryembodiment. Each keeper includes an upper end 911, 921 and a lower end912, 922.

In an alternative embodiment, the keepers 91, 92 are connected to a rearwall of the pack 2 which is not an outer wall, that is, a wall that isincluded in the volume of the pack 2, for example an inner intermediatewall separating the volume of the pack 2 into compartments. It may alsobe a pocket appended to the rear wall. This rear wall is locatedrearward or at the rear in relation to the front wall 23.

The linkages 93, 94 are each fastened to the front portion 411, 412 ofthe corresponding shoulder strap 41, 42, in the lower portion, by firstlower adjusters comprising right 95 and left 96 hooks, affixed to thelinkages, cooperating with second lower adjusters, for example right 97and left 98 loops, affixed to the shoulder strap 41, 42. A plurality ofloops 97, 98 can be distributed along the shoulder straps 41, 42, underthe armpits, at different heights, to enable the user to select thefastening height of the linkages 93, 94 on the support vest 4. Thesecond lower adjusters 97, 98 are located laterally in the areas of thesides of the user 10, or on the front portions 411, 412 of the shoulderstraps 41, 42. Thus, the position for fastening the hooks 95, 96 to theshoulder strap 41, 42 is adjustable in height, in order to adapt to thesize and the morphology of the user 10. This also makes it possible toadapt the tightening as a function of the load being carried. If theload is small, the first adjusters 95, 96 can be raised in order for theload to be pressed higher. Repositioning the load upward improves thebalance of the backpack. The center of gravity is better positionedduring movements of the user. If the load is heavier, the hooks 95, 96can be lowered to increase the carrying volume. The load is thensupported in a zone closer to the lumbar.

Each hook 95, 96 is affixed to a linkage 93, 94. Each first loweradjuster then comprises a blocker for receiving an end of acorresponding linkage 93, 94.

In this example, the linkage 93, 94 passes a first time through theblocker 95, 96, and then connects the blocker to a lower end 912, 922 ofthe associated keeper 91, 92, thus forming the lower strand 932, 942; itis then inserted in the keeper, and then connects an upper end 911, 921of the associated keeper to the blocker, thus forming the lower strand931, 941; and it then passes a second time through the blocker. Thus,the two free ends of the linkage 93, 94 exit the blocker 95, 96. Bypulling the two free ends of a linkage 93, 94, the strands 931, 932,941, 942 are tensioned, thereby reducing the length of the strands 931,932, 941, 942. Consequently, by acting on the two linkages 93, 94 inthis manner, the lower portion of the rear wall 24, to which the keepers91, 92 are fixed, is brought closer to the rear portion 43 of thesupport vest 4.

In other words, to press the load contained in the pack 2 againsthis/her back, the user fastens the hooks 95 and 96 on keepers 97 and 98,and then pulls on the free ends of the linkages 93 and 94 extendingthrough the associated blocker 95, 96. This action has the effect ofbringing the ends 911, 912, 921, 922 of the keepers 91 and 92 and theouter wall 24 of the pack 2 closer to the support vest 4, in the mannerof lines acting on a paraglider canopy. By tensioning the linkages 93and 94, the user 10 accentuates the curvature of the keepers 91, 92,which makes it possible to bring the load toward the center of the backand, here, to raise the load upward. The more the load is raised, theeasier the movements of the user become, because the center of gravityis also raised. This first lower compression system contributes to thestability of the load.

Alternatively, the lower compression system is configured so that asingle strand 931, 932, 941 or 942 of each linkage 93, 94 passes in eachblocker 95, 96. In this case, a first end of the linkage 93, 94 is fixedto the front portion 411, 412 of the shoulder strap 41, 42 in a zoneclose to the second lower adjuster, and a second end of the linkage 93,94 passes through the blocker 95, 96. Pulling on this second end causestension on the strands 931, 932, 941 or 942, which results in atightening of the load similar to that described above.

This compression system incorporating keepers 91, 92 is advantageousbecause it makes it possible to distribute the compressive force overthe entire length of the keeper. The load is therefore more evenlycompressed. In addition, the linkage can slide in the keeper, therebyenabling self-balancing of the tension in the linkage. The tension maybe identical in the upper strand 941 and in the lower strand 942.

Alternatively, the lower compression system does not include keepers 91,92. In this case, the ends of each linkage 93, 94 are directly fixed tothe lateral edge of the rear wall 24, at the junction with a lateralwall 25, 26. To obtain the desired compression effect, the lower end ofthe linkage 93, 94 is attached to the lower portion of the rear wall 24,substantially at a level similar to the lower end 912, 922 of the keeper91, 92. Similarly, the upper end of the linkage 93, 94 is attached tothe upper portion of the rear wall 24, substantially at a level similarto the upper end 911, 921 of the keeper 91, 92. The distance between thetwo attachment points of the ends of the linkage along a lateral edge ofthe rear wall 24 can be greater than 10 cm. This alternative design hasa compression that is slightly less balanced than the compression systemdescribed above. However, it enables a variable tension between thestrands of the linkage; a tension differential can then be adjusted toadapt the tightening of the load.

Anchoring points can be defined for this lower compression system. Eachanchoring point corresponds to a connection between a linkage 93, 94 andan element of the rear wall 24. Therefore, an anchoring point can be anend 911, 921, 912, 922 of a keeper 91, 92, as illustrated in the drawingfigures. An anchoring point may also be an attachment point of a linkageon the edge of the rear wall 24, as described in the alternativesolution. The distance between two anchoring points of the same linkage,along a lateral edge of the rear wall 24, can be greater than 10 cm.This distance corresponds to the linear distance between the twoanchoring points when the rear wall 24 is flattened.

The lower compression system is included in a lower zone Zcicharacterized by a height Hci, extending upward from the lower end 21 ofthe pack 2. The height Hci can greater than 10 cm. Advantageously, theheight Hci is greater than 15% of the total height H23 of the front wall23. In this example, the height H23 is substantially equal to 40 cm.

The heights Hci and H23 are measured vertically, when the pack 2 ispressed against a vertical flat surface.

The lower keepers 91 and 92 extend over a minimal engagement heightcorresponding substantially to the height Hci of the lower zone Zci. Theengagement height Hci is the height of the portion of the keepers 91 and92 that is connected to the rear wall 24. In the example of the drawingfigures, the entire height of the keepers 91 and 92 is connected to therear wall 24.

The attachment of the lower end 21 of the pack 2 to the support vest maybe provided only by the lower compression system. In this case, thebackpack 1 does not comprise the lower loops 63 and 64.

In this embodiment, the backpack 1 is equipped with a second uppercompression system that presses the load contained in the pack 2 againstthe back of the user 10. This optional second compression system has aconstruction similar to the first lower compression system.

This second system includes right 8A and left 8B upper tighteningarrangements, including right 81 and left 82 keepers affixed to the pack2. The keepers form a passage sleeve or sheath for a right 83 or left 84linkage, for example a cord, a lace, or a strap. In the example shown inthe drawing figures, the keepers 81 and 82 are located in the area ofthe junctures between the lateral walls 25 and 26 and the upper portionof the outer wall 24 of the pack 2. The keepers 81 and 82 are thusconnected to the outer wall 24 of the pack 2. Here, the keepers 81 and82 are arcuate sheaths, whose center of radius of curvature is at thefront of the outer wall 24 and below the upper end 21 of the pocket. Thekeepers 81, 82 can have a length L81, L82 greater than 15 cm. Eachkeeper comprises an upper end 811, 821 and a lower end 812, 822.

In an alternative embodiment, the keepers 81 and 82 are connected to arear wall of the pack 2 which is not an outer wall.

The linkages 83 and 84 are each fastened on the front portion 411 or 412of the corresponding shoulder strap 41 or 42, at the upper portion, bythe first upper adjuster comprising right 85 and left 86 blockers, whichcooperate with second upper adjusters, for example right 87 and left 88keepers retaining the blockers 85 and 86. In this example, the keepers87 and 88 form a strip sewn transversely onto the front portion 411 or412 of the shoulder straps 41 and 42. The first adjusters 85 and 86 canbe blockers, as illustrated in the drawing figures, a push-button, orany other adjuster for varying the length of the linkages 83, 84 betweenthe first adjuster and the rear wall 24.

First and second upper adjusters 85-88 are arranged on each of theshoulder straps 41, 42, respectively, in the area of the shoulder of theuser 10 or, alternatively, on the front portion 411, 412 of the shoulderstrap 41, 42.

In this example, the linkage 83, 84 passes a first time through theblocker 85, 86, and then connects the blocker to the lower end of theassociated keeper 81, 82, thus forming the lower strand 832, 842; it isthen inserted into the keeper, and then connects the upper end of theassociated keeper to the blocker, thus forming the upper strand 831,841, and then passes a second time through the blocker. Thus, the twofree ends of the linkage 83, 84 exit the blocker 85, 86. Here, the twofree ends are connected by a knot. By pulling the two free ends of alinkage 83, 84 the blocker 85, 86 is spaced from the keepers 81, 82, andthe strands 831, 832, 841, 842 are tensioned simultaneously. To maintainthis tension, it then suffices to move the blocker 85, 86 toward thecorresponding keeper 81, 82. This tension also reduces the length of thestrands 831, 832, 841, 842. Consequently, by acting on the two linkages83, 84 in this manner, the upper portion of the rear wall 24, to whichthe keepers 81, 82 are fixed, is brought closer to the rear portion 43of the support vest 4.

In other words, to press the load contained in the pack 2 againsthis/her back, the user pulls on the ends of the linkages 83, 84 and thenraises the blockers 85, 86 toward the keepers 87 88. This action has theeffect of bringing the ends 811, 812, 821, 822 of the keepers 81, 82,and therefore the outer wall 24 of the pack 2, towards to the supportvest 4, in the manner of lines acting on a paraglider canopy. Bytensioning the linkages 83 and 84, the user 10 increases the curvatureof the keepers 81 and 82, which makes it possible to bring the loadtowards the center of the back. Here, this makes it possible to reducethe upper volume extending upwardly. This reduction is important inbalancing the load because it limits the tossing of the upper portion ofthe pocket, which is a source of imbalance. This second uppercompression system also contributes to the stability of the load.

Alternatively, the upper compression system is configured so that asingle strand 831, 832, 841 or 842 of each linkage 83, 84 passes in eachblocker 85, 86. In this case, a first end of the linkage 83, 84 isattached to the front portion 411, 412 of the shoulder strap 41, 42, ina zone close to the second upper adjuster, and a second end of thelinkage 83, 84 passes through the blocker 85, 86. Pulling on this secondend and raising the blocker 85, 86 towards the keeper 81, 82 causestension on the strands 831, 832, 841 or 842, resulting in a tighteningof the load similar to that described above.

This compression system incorporating keepers 81, 82 is advantageousbecause it makes it possible to distribute the compressive force overthe entire length of the keeper. The load is therefore more evenlycompressed. In addition, the linkage can slide in the keeper, whichenables self-balancing of the tension in the linkage. The tension may beidentical in the upper strand 841 and in the lower strand 842.

As for the lower compression system, the upper compression system maynot have keepers 81, 82, in which case the ends of the linkages areattached directly to a lateral edge of the rear wall 24.

Anchoring points can be defined for this upper compression system. Eachanchoring point corresponds to a connection between a linkage 83, 84 andan element of the rear wall 24. An anchoring point may therefore be anend 811, 821, 812, 822 of a keeper 81, 82, as illustrated in the drawingfigures. An anchoring point may also be the attachment point of alinkage on the edge of the rear wall 24, as described in the alternativesolution. The distance between two anchoring points of the same linkage,along a lateral edge of the rear wall 24, can be greater than 10 cm.This distance corresponds to the linear distance between two anchoringpoints when the rear wall 24 is flattened.

The upper compression system is included in an upper zone Zcscharacterized by a height Hcs, extending downward from the upper end 22of the pack 2. The height Hcs can be greater than 10 cm. Advantageously,the height Hcs is greater than 15% of the total height H23 of the frontwall 23. In this example, the height H23 is substantially equal to 40cm.

The heights Hcs and H23 are measured vertically, when the pack 2 ispressed against a vertical flat surface.

The upper keepers 81 and 82 extend over a minimal engagement heightcorresponding substantially to the height Hcs of the upper zone Zcs. Theengagement height Hcs is the height of the portion of the keepers 81 and82 which is connected to the rear wall 24. In the example of the figuresof drawings, the entire height of the keepers 81 and 82 is connected tothe rear wall 24.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show right 40A and left 40B comfort elements, located inthe area of the shoulders of the user 10. Each comfort element 40A, 40Bis interposed between one of the shoulder straps 41, 42 and at least onestrand 83 a, 83 b, 84 a, 84 b of the linkage 83 or 84. In the example ofthe figures of drawings, the comfort elements 40A and 40B are eachinserted between one of the shoulder straps 41 and 42 and the twostrands 83 a and 83 b or 84 a and 84 b of the linkages 83 and 84.

Each comfort element 40A and 40B comprises a right 45A or left 45Bdistributing plate arranged below the linkages 83 and 84. This is forexample a rectangular plate having cutouts 45 oriented along an axistransverse to the shoulder straps 41 and 42, a direction substantiallyparallel to the axis Y, to form a zigzagging coil. Thus, thedistributing plate 45A, 45B here is made of carbon and has substantialflexional flexibility about a direction transverse to the shoulderstrap. Other forms of cutouts can be considered to provide thisflexibility. Each distributing plate 45A and 45B can then be deformed toadapt to the morphology and movements of the shoulder of the user 10.This construction of the plate provides a flexural rigidity about alongitudinal direction of the shoulder strap. This allows for betterdistribution of the pressure generated by the tension of the linkages83, 84. The user is protected from the pressure and friction from thelinkages 83 and 84 against the shoulder. Furthermore, due to itscutouts, the distributing plate allows for better ventilation in thearea of the supports on the shoulders.

The distributing plates 45A and 45B are arranged above the right 47A orleft 47B damping plates made, for example, of foam. The distributingplates 45A and 45B are more rigid than the damping plates 47A and 47B,that is, their bending strength is greater.

In an alternative embodiment, a distributing plate 45A, 45B and adamping plate 47A, 47B are housed in a envelope attached to the shoulderstrap. This envelope is provided with slits to allow passage of thelinkages 83, 84. This envelope makes it possible to create a unitary,easily interchangeable comfort element 40A, 40B. The dimensions anddamping characteristics of the comfort element can thus be modified as afunction of the user.

The comfort elements 40A, 40B are not specific to this backpack designand are also applicable to other, more conventional types of backpacks.These comfort elements thus provide an additional benefit to moretraditional backpacks.

The plates 45A and 45B are protected and retained by a right panel 461and a left panel 462 made of fabric, which comprises openings forpassage of the linkages 83 and 84. A portion of the linkages 83 and 84passes between the distributing plate 45A or 45B and the panel 461 or462.

According to one embodiment, the backpack includes other comfortelements, positioned between each first upper adjuster and theassociated shoulder strap 41, 42. An additional comfort element is thusinterposed between a blocker 85, 86 and a shoulder strap 41, 42.Advantageously, the additional comfort element has a structure similarto that of the comfort elements 40A, 40B described above. Theseadditional comfort elements make it possible to improve the wearingcomfort, in particular by reducing the contact pressure exerted on thetorso, in the area of the first adjuster. This advantage is even morepronounced when the shoulder strap is made of a soft material.

The lower and upper compression systems make it possible to improve thestability of the backpack 1 and, therefore, the balance of the user. Theuser can adjust the position of the load in the pack 2 and re-center iton the portion of the back located between the shoulder blades and theupper lumbar. Thus, it enables the load to be pressed against a portionof the back adapted to support the load. This rear portion includes theribs covered with muscles such as a portion of the trapezius muscle andlatissimus dorsi muscle, to avoid pressure on the lumbar zone. Intraditional large-volume backpacks, greater than 40 liters, support inthe area of the lower back is preferred. This support is suitable forwalking or hiking when carrying heavy loads. The invention is moresuited for backpacks designed to carry lighter loads, less than 35liters, and more particularly for quick displacements such as mountainrunning, for example. Pressing the load in the previously defined zoneimproves the user's freedom of movement and performance duringdisplacements. The lower compression system has the effect of raisingthe center of gravity of the backpack 1. The upper compression systemhas the effect of reducing the volume extending upward to reduce theunbalance effect. The compression systems act independently of oneanother. Each compression system helps to improve the stability of thebackpack, especially for low- or medium-volume backpacks, up to 35liters.

The lower and upper compression systems are not specific to thisbackpack design and are also applicable to other, more conventionaltypes of backpacks. The lower compression system and/or uppercompression system thus provide an additional benefit to moretraditional backpacks.

In this example, the backpack 1 is equipped with two lateral systems ofcompression of the pack 2, each system being arranged on one side of thepack. Each system comprises a linkage 51, 55, for example a cord, astring, or a strap, which passes through keepers 52, 53, 56, 57. Firstkeepers 53, 57 are positioned in the area of the junction between alateral wall 25, 26 and the rear wall 24. Second keepers 52, 56 arepositioned in the area of the junction between a lateral wall 25, 26 andthe front wall 27. The first and second keepers associated with alateral wall are arranged so that the linkage 51, 55 engaged in theselateral keepers defines a zigzagging path. A first end of a linkage 51,55 is attached to the keeper closest to the upper end 22 of the pack. Asecond end of a linkage 51, 55 is attached to the keeper closest to thelower end 21 of the pack. In the central portion of the lateral wall 25,26, the system comprises a linkage tightener. In the exampleillustrated, the tightener comprises a blocker 54, 58 through which alinkage 51, 55 passes, the blocker being interposed between two firstkeepers. Each linkage 51, 55 passes twice in the associated blocker 54,58 so as to form a free loop on one side of the blocker. Thus, when thefree loop is pulled and the blocker is displaced to increase the lengthof the free loop, a tension is generated in the linkage 51, 55. Thedistance between the first and second keepers decreases, which resultsin a compression of the load, thereby reducing the inner volume of thepack. The tightener, or tightening device, in particular the blocker,serves to maintain the linkage 51 or 55 in tension.

The lateral system of compression of the pack 2 makes it possible toavoid movements of the load within the pack 2 and does not interferewith the opening 241 of the pack 2.

In the example of the backpack 1 of FIGS. 1 to 5, the connections 61-66are at points on an edge of the front wall 23. Alternatively, theconnections continuously connect at least a portion of the lateral edgesB231 and B232 of the front wall 23 of the pack 2. However, to enable therelative movements of the pack 2 with respect to the support vest 4according to the invention, the connections comprise an elastic elementensuring this desired freedom of movement. For example, the connectionscan comprise a slide fastener and an elastic band arranged between theslide fastener and the front wall 23 of the pack 2, or between the slidefastener and the rear portion 43 of the support vest 4. Thus, theelastic element can stretch so as to enable the movements of the pack 2with respect to the support vest 4. To obtain this property, the elasticelement can be made of a material comprising elastane for these elasticproperties.

According to an alternative embodiment, the backpack 1 comprises aremovable comfort wall 3, provided to be interposed between the pack 2and the support vest 4. This comfort wall 3 is optional. The comfortwall 3 comes into contact with the front wall 23 of the pack 2 and therear portion 43 of the support vest 4. For example, the comfort wall 3is formed by a foam board, provided with vent holes 32 to facilitateventilation of the pack. In this example, the comfort wall is a foammade of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). Optionally, the foam board isenveloped by a cover made of fabric or mesh. The comfort wall 3 can beattached to the pack 2 or the support vest 4, for example by means ofhooks or other structure. The comfort wall 3 improves comfort for theuser 10 by providing an additional thickness between the back of theuser 10 and the load carried in the backpack 1. The removable wall 3 canalso serve as a pillow or a mat.

FIG. 6 illustrates a second embodiment, similar to the construction ofthe first embodiment, except that the pack 2 is removably mounted on thesupport vest 4. The pack 2 and support vest 4 are thus two separateelements of the backpack 201. The pack 2 is removably attached to thesupport vest 4, by first connections 261-266 affixed to the pack 2,which cooperate with second connections 271-276 affixed to the supportvest 4. Only the connections 262, 264, 266, 272, 274, 276 of the leftportion are shown. The connections 261, 263, 265, 271, 273, 275 of theright portion are symmetrically identical and are not shown.

The location of the first connections 261-266 in the area of the frontwall 23 of the pack 2 is similar to the location of the connections61-66 described with reference to the front wall 23. The firstconnections 261-266 can be, or include, buckles or straps, for example.

The second connections include right 271 and left 272 upper hooks,attached in the area of the user's shoulders, in the upper portion ofthe rear portion 431 or 432 of the shoulder straps 41 or 42,respectively.

They also include right 273 and left 274 lower hooks, attached in thelower portion of the rear portion 431 or 432 of the shoulder straps 41or 42, respectively.

They further include right 275 and left 276 intermediate hooks, attachedon opposite sides of the rear portion 43 of the carrying device 4, inthe median portion of the rear portion 431 or 432 of the shoulder straps41 or 42. Alternatively, the invention encompasses the addition ofintermediate hooks, also the addition of complementary buckles on thefront wall 23 of the pocket.

The vertical distance D1, D2 between two first connections or betweentwo second connections, vertically adjacent, is greater than 10 cm. Thedistance D1, D2 is greater than 15% of the total height H23 of the frontwall 23.

In the example of FIG. 6, the removable connections 261-266 and 271-276are buckles that cooperate with hooks. Alternatively, the removableconnections can include magnets, snap fasteners, slide fasteners, orhook-and-loop fasteners.

The support vest 4 can be equipped with load storage structures, such aselastic pouches or straps for storing foodstuffs in particular, or forreceiving a water bladder, a bottle, or a flask. Thus, the backpack 1can be used only with the support vest 4, without the pack 2, when theuser has a small number or items or a small amount of material to carry.The support vest 4 can also be equipped with loops or buckles connectedto the lower portion of a shoulder strap to engage snap-hooks.

When using the backpack 1, the user can initially position the pack 2 onthe support vest 4 so as to carry a garment or sports equipment, forexample. Then, when the user 10 moves to a more sustained sportingactivity, for example running or climbing, he/she separates the pack 2from the support vest 4 to keep only the support vest 4 on his/her back.Thus, the user can benefit from a lightweight and soft backpack to carryloads of basic necessities, such as a water bladder, or energy bars orgels.

In the invention, the elements referred to as “soft”, including the pack2, the support vest 4, and the wall 3, are designed to be deformable soas to adapt the element to the morphology of the back of the user 10,whether the user is stationary or moving. Thus, a soft element bendswhen the user 10 undertakes a lateral torsion of the torso to the rightor left, or when leaning forward or backward. The soft element adapts tothe movements and morphology of the back of the user, that is, itfollows the curvature of the spine and remains substantially pressedagainst the back of the user 10 during his movements.

The vertical relative movement M1 between the pack 2 and the supportvest 4 allows forward or backward bending of the chest of the user. Thehorizontal relative movement M2 allows torsion of the torso, that is,the rotation around the waist. During sporting activity, the user isfrequently required to perform in a combination of these two movements.

The flexibility of the front wall 23 of the pack 2 and the rear portion43 of the support vest 4 prevents rigidity when carrying the backpack,which penalizes comfort and freedom of movement. A number of backpacksof the prior art comprise a rigid back required for the strength of thebackpack, to keep it from collapsing. A rigid backpack has thedisadvantage of not being able to follow the movements and deformationsof the back of the user, and for not being able to adapt to itsmorphology. The comfort and freedom of movement are penalized.

The softness of the backpack 1 or 201 of the invention does not causeundesired movements of the backpack in relation to the back of the user10, due to the compression systems, particularly the lower system. Goodstability is thus achieved only with the lower compression system. Theinvention provides a good compromise between the possibility of freedomof movement for the user 10, due to the softness of the pocket, and goodretention of the backpack 1 or 201 against the back of the user, due tothe compression systems 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B.

The invention is not limited to these embodiments. In the context of theinvention, different alternatives can be combined with one another, atleast partially.

The invention also extends to all of the embodiments covered by theappended claims.

Further, at least because the invention is disclosed herein in a mannerthat enables one to make and use it, by virtue of the disclosure ofparticular exemplary embodiments, such as for simplicity or efficiency,for example, the invention can be practiced in the absence of anyadditional element or additional structure that is not specificallydisclosed herein.

1. A backpack comprising: a support vest comprising: left and rightshoulder straps; at least one connecting element configured to belocated at an area corresponding to a back of the user when the backpackis worn, the connecting element transversely connecting the shoulderstraps; a rear portion of each of the shoulder straps and the connectingelement forming a support vest rear portion having a softness enablingthe rear portion to deform to adapt to a morphology of the back of theuser, whether the user is stationary or moving; and a pack demarcating aload-receiving volume, the pack comprising: a front wall having asoftness enabling the front wall to deform to adapt to the morphology ofthe back of the user, whether the user is stationary or moving; thefront wall having a zone of overlap with the rear portion of the supportvest; connections connecting the front wall to the support vest, theconnections positioned and configured to allow relative movement betweenthe front wall and the support vest, at least vertically orhorizontally, or both vertically and horizontally, in the overlap zone;the connections being located outside of the overlap zone.
 2. A backpackaccording to claim 1, wherein: the connecting element is a lace or apanel comprising a soft material in the form of a fabric, a knit, atextile, or a foam.
 3. A backpack according to claim 1, wherein: each ofthe shoulder straps comprises a permanently closed and non-adjustableloop.
 4. A backpack according to claim 1, wherein: the support vest is aunitary structure comprising the shoulder straps permanently assembledto the connecting element.
 5. A backpack according to claim 1, wherein:the front wall comprises at least one lateral edge discontinuouslyconnected to the support vest; at least one free passage is locatedbetween the lateral edge and the support vest, the at least one freepassage not being provided with any of the connections; and the freepassage has a height greater than or equal to 15% of a total height ofthe front wall.
 6. A backpack according to claim 1, wherein: the frontwall is connected to the support vest only in areas of edges of thefront wall.
 7. A backpack according to claim 1, wherein: the front wallcomprises an upper portion connected to the support vest by right andleft upper loops, arranged symmetrically in relation to a vertical axisX, substantially in an area corresponding to a neck-and-shoulderjunction of a user wearing the backpack.
 8. A backpack according toclaim 1, further comprising: an upper compression system configured tomove an upper portion of a rear wall the pack towards the front wall. 9.A backpack according to claim 8, wherein: the upper compression systemcomprises an upper tightening arrangement on each of the left and rightsides of the backpack, each upper tightening arrangement comprising: alinkage; two anchoring points positioned and configured to anchor thelinkage with the rear wall of the pack; a distance between the twoanchoring points being greater than 10 centimeters, along a lateral edgeof the rear wall of the pack; a first upper adjuster through which atleast one strand of the linkage passes; a second upper adjuster arrangedon one of the shoulder straps in an area corresponding to a shoulder ofa user wearing the backpack or on a front portion of the one of theshoulder straps; the first and second upper adjusters cooperating withone another to enable adjustment of at least a length of a strandextending towards the front wall of the pack, from the first upperadjuster.
 10. A backpack according to claim 9, wherein: the uppertightening arrangement comprises a comfort element positioned in an areacorresponding to an area of a shoulder of the user between one of thetwo shoulder straps and at least one strand of the linkage; the comfortelement comprises a damping plate positioned in an area corresponding toan area of one of the two shoulder straps, and a distributing platepositioned in the vicinity of each strand of the linkage; thedistributing plate is more rigid than the damping plate and has cutoutsconfigured to be deformable to adapt to the morphology and movements ofthe shoulder of the user.
 11. A backpack according to claim 1, furthercomprising: a lower compression arrangement configured to move a lowerportion of a rear wall of the pack towards the front wall.
 12. Abackpack according to claim 11, wherein: the lower compression systemcomprises a lower tightening arrangement on each of the left and rightsides of the backpack, each lower tightening arrangement comprising: alinkage; two anchoring points positioned and configured to anchor thelinkage with the rear wall of the pack; a distance between the twoanchoring points being greater than 10 centimeters, along a lateral edgeof the rear wall of the pack; a first lower adjuster through which atleast one strand of the linkage passes; a second lower adjuster arrangedon one of the shoulder straps in an area corresponding to a side of theuser or on a front portion of one of the shoulder straps; the first andsecond lower adjusters cooperating with one another to enable adjustmentof at least a length of a strand of the linkage extending towards thefront wall, from the first lower adjuster.
 13. A backpack according toclaim 12, further comprising: adjustable structure configured toheight-adjust a fastening position of the first lower adjuster to one ofthe shoulder strap.
 14. A backpack according to claim 9, furthercomprising: a keeper, affixed to the pack comprising a sheath forpassage of the linkage.
 15. A backpack according to claim 12, furthercomprising: a keeper affixed to the pack comprising a sheath for passageof the linkage.
 16. A backpack according to claim 1, wherein: removablemounting structure configured to removably mount the pack to the supportvest.
 17. A backpack according to claim 1, wherein: the rear portion ofthe vest comprises a soft material that is a member selected from thegroup consisting of a fabric, a knit, a textile, and a foam.
 18. Abackpack according to claim 17, wherein: the material is a material ofthe connecting element.
 19. A backpack according to claim 1, wherein:the rear portion of the vest comprises a thickness-wise elasticallydeformable material.